Area code 217 serves central Illinois and includes the state capital of Springfield along with cities like Champaign, Urbana, and Decatur. Introduced in 1947, it is one of the original area codes and continues to cover a largely rural and educationally significant region. Springfield anchors the 217 area with state government offices, historic Lincoln sites, and a regional healthcare presence. Champaign-Urbana, home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is a major research and technology hub. The university drives innovation in fields such as engineering, AI, and agritech, contributing to the area's evolving identity. Agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics are also prominent in the surrounding counties. While 217 may not be as densely populated as Chicago-area codes, it carries weight in state politics, academia, and regional commerce. The area remains largely unoverlaid, preserving the standalone recognition of the 217 number. For professionals, educators, and public officials, having a 217 number signifies ties to the heart of Illinois and access to its policymaking and intellectual core.